Stellar Inversion Techniques

TL;DR

This paper introduces kernel-based stellar seismic inversion techniques, explaining how they are used to probe stellar interiors and improve models by identifying current shortcomings.

Contribution

It provides an accessible overview of kernel derivation and inversion methods like RLS and OLA for stellar structure analysis.

Findings

Demonstrates how kernels are derived from pulsation equations

Explains the application of RLS and OLA inversion techniques

Highlights the potential of seismic inversions to refine stellar models

Abstract

Stellar seismic inversions have proved to be a powerful technique for probing the internal structure of stars, and paving the way for a better understanding of the underlying physics by revealing some of the shortcomings in current stellar models. In this lecture, we provide an introduction to this topic by explaining kernel-based inversion techniques. Specifically, we explain how various kernels are obtained from the pulsation equations, and describe inversion techniques such as the Regularised Least-Squares (RLS) and Optimally Localised Averages (OLA) methods.